In 2009, as part of Night Visions Film Festival in Helsinki, I went to see what was titled as The Crispin Glover Experience. It consisted of

– Crispin Hellion Glover’s Big Slide Show

It was essentially a very intense hour of Crispin Glover discussing his art and life. I have very litte memory of what was said, but it was intense.

– A screening of What is it?

I think he was originally supposed to show It is fine! EVERYTHING IS FINE. but it was changed for some reason that I can’t recall. I remember watching the trailers for both films before the show and thinking “Well, I’ve seen avant-garde films and pretty weird stuff before, at least it’ll be interesting.” I was not prepared for what ensued.

– A Q&A session

I think this went on for an hour or maybe two. It certainly felt like forever. Glover is very good at directing the conversation to where he wants it to go, so people asked their questions and Glover steamrolled to what ever aspect of his life or art he felt like discussing further. In a very polite manner, of course.

– Book signing/ meet & greet

I did not stay for this, I wanted to, but I was physically and mentally spent at this point. The line was insane and four hours of the experience was enough for me.

The details of the event escape me, but I will never forget it nor will I ever forget what Crispin Glover was like in person. I’m really glad that I went, it was a unique experience. It was also one the most exhausting things that I’ve ever experienced in my life and I would never do it again. That being said, if you have a chance to see one his shows, go & see it. It is, after all, your density.

In the meanwhile, I suggest you watch episode #15 of No Small Parts featuring Crispin Glover. It is as entertaining as it is educational, another fine episode in the series.